Villefranche-de-Conflent

 

An essential stop-over for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela, Villefranche, which is 16km from Campôme, must not be missed. This delightful medieval garrison town, classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, is among the 50 most visited places in France. Founded in the 11th century by the counts of Cerdagne to bar the road to Moorish invaders, and remodelled by Vauban in the seventeenth century, its streets and fortifications have remained untouched by subsequent development. Its prestigious past as the administrative, military and economic capital of the Conflent have given the town an exceptional architectural heritage.

 

After walking the ramparts, visit the Romanesque church of St Jacques with its richly decorated interior. Then take a walk in the town and delight at the pink marbled 13^th century houses and picturesque alleys which bustle with the same happy sounds as they did in the King of Majorca’s day.

 

Getting to Fort Liberia, constructed on the heights by Vauban to protect the town from aerial bombardment, involves climbing a thousand steps beginning just across the old bridge and rail line at the end of Rue St-Pierre. If you don't fancy the climb, look for the free minibus leaving from near the town's main gate.

 

Villefranche is the terminus for trains from Perpignan. From here to La Tour-de-Carol on the Spanish frontier, transport is by SNCF bus or preferably the narrow-gauge Petit Train Jaune.

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